Fort docked points for fielding ineligible player

Want to read more?

We value our content and access to our full site is only available on subscription. Your subscription entitles you to 7-day-a-week access to our website, plus a full digital copy of that week’s paper to read on your pc/mac or mobile device In addition your subscription includes access to digital archive copies from 2006 onwards

Fort William’s torrid start to the Highland League season has been compounded this week by a decision from league bosses to dock the club points for fielding an ineligible player.

According to the league’s management committee, the Fort breached league rules by fielding an ineligible player on three occasions this season, which warrants a mandatory penalty.

As a result, the Lochaber club has been landed with a £150 fine while also being docked nine league points.

In a statement, the Highland League management committee said: ‘The matter of Fort William FC fielding an ineligible player on three occasions was considered by the Highland League management committee at its meeting yesterday evening.

‘In forming its conclusion, the committee took into account the fact that the club had agreed that this amounted to a breach of Rule 8.9.4 and that the terms of clause 8.9.13 provided for a mandatory penalty.

‘Consequently, the meeting decided that Fort William FC be fined a total of £150 and deducted nine points with immediate effect.’

This decision comes as another blow to the Claggan Park side’s already poor season and leaves them with a points tally of -9 in the league having not picked up a win or a draw so far this season and conceded 48 goals in their opening five matches.